Cameroonian Political Opposition Figure Faces Legal Proceedings Concerning Electoral Turmoil, Government Declares
Cameroon's Minister of the Interior the interior minister has declared that opposition leader Tchiroma Bakary will face legal action over claims that he provoked "violent electoral rallies".
No fewer than four protesters have been lost their lives during skirmishes between law enforcement and protesters since Cameroon's election on 12 October, with the 92-year-old head of state securing an eighth presidential mandate.
The opposition leader insists that he won the election, a statement rejected by Biya's ruling party, the ruling CPDM.
Violent crackdowns by police and security officers on demonstrators have concerned the global community, with the UN, African Union and European Union urging restraint.
Official's Claims
Recently, Nji accused Tchiroma Bakary of organising what he described as "unlawful" rallies leading to the loss of lives, and also condemned him for claiming win in the electoral contest.
He noted that Tchiroma Bakary's "accomplices responsible for an insurrectionary plan" will also face legal action.
Vote Outcome
Paul Biya, who came to power in 1982 and is now the world's oldest head of state, won the 12 October election with 53.7% of the ballots, compared to 35.2% for Tchiroma Bakary, according to the electoral authority.
Leader's Stance
Tchiroma Bakary is has not yet commented to the official announcement to bring him to court, but he had previously declared that he would not accept a fraudulent outcome - and that he was fearless of being taken into custody.
Following the vote count, he said that armed men used lethal force on protesters present near his home in Garoua, fatally wounding at least two people.
Investigation Launched
Recently, the government official revealed that an probe would be initiated into violent incidents before and after the publication of the election results.
"Throughout the violence, some of the perpetrators died," he stated, without offering a specific number of protesters who have been lost their lives in the clashes.
The minister noted that multiple officers of the law enforcement also suffered significant wounds.
Present Conditions
Although Nji insisted the condition throughout Cameroon was now manageable, protesters continue to protest in various areas of the nation, especially in urban centers, where demonstrators mounted roadblocks on Tuesday, and set fire to tires on the roads.
Analysts alert that the election-related unrest could push the country into a leadership vacuum.